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King Lear

Questions About King Lear

by William Shakespeare

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Answered Questions (8)

Did anyone else like Edmund?
Munqith Gharib I like all Shakespeare's bad-boys. …moreI like all Shakespeare's bad-boys. (less)
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Why does this masterpiece--yes, a true masterpiece--continue to collect dust on library shelves? I'm almost finished not reading but studying its verbal tapestry, so intricately woven with the emotions of its characters. The play holds together, where no thread can be pulled from it. King Lear is Shakespeare's best play. Perhaps this work is neglected, because it requires thinking on the reader's part. Sad--so sad...
Natalie Chickey I think it is Shakespeare's finest work, but, as a high school British literature teacher, I choose to teach Hamlet or Macbeth, as I believe they are …moreI think it is Shakespeare's finest work, but, as a high school British literature teacher, I choose to teach Hamlet or Macbeth, as I believe they are more approachable for that age group. If I can excite my students to the great works of Shakespeare (and I am sure that I do!), then I know they will pick up Lear on their own!
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Can anyone offer some insight as to how easily Edmund tricked Edgar into fleeing Glaucester's castle? It doesn't seem realistic. it also doesn't seem realistic how quickly he slips into madness (as opposed to Lear, who progresses toward it).
Steve Edgar slips into madness quickly because he's faking it. Right after he leaves, he almost gets caught, and decides to act like he's insane (Tom of Bed…moreEdgar slips into madness quickly because he's faking it. Right after he leaves, he almost gets caught, and decides to act like he's insane (Tom of Bedlam, if I recall).

My opinion: (1) Edmund is so easily successful because he is so evil-minded and determined (like Iago in Othello for a similar sociopathic character). (2) It also helps that his father falls for it so hard. Dad falls for it because of the shallowness of his understanding of love and loyalty (parallel to Lear's weaknesses) -- a central theme of the play.(less)
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I thought Albany was a bad guy the whole book until the end suddenly he's acting like a good guy. Did I miss something? I thought Cornwall, Regan, Albany and Goneril were all this little baddie group.
Jane Great question! Albany is involved with Goneril, Regan, and Cornwall to a certain point, but he always stays out of the worst of their deeds, since he…moreGreat question! Albany is involved with Goneril, Regan, and Cornwall to a certain point, but he always stays out of the worst of their deeds, since he has pity on Lear and doesn't believe that the kingdom should divide; it's Goneril who wrests power from him to fight Cornwall's army. Albany is passive and doesn't have the courage to speak his mind until the end of the play, when he finally stands up against Goneril — it takes him finding out about Goneril's plan to kill him and marry Edmund to finally shake some sense into him. After that, he allies with Edgar and Kent to set things right. He's definitely an interesting character!(less)
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Why does the Fool suddenly disappear from the play? Did I miss something? Does anyone mention where he goes or why?
Key Reads The reason is simple actually. During Shakespeare’s time, the same actor would play Cordelia and the fool typically, so when Cordelia returns towards …moreThe reason is simple actually. During Shakespeare’s time, the same actor would play Cordelia and the fool typically, so when Cordelia returns towards the end, the fool disappears because one person cannot play two characters at the same time on stage. Figured I’d answer this even though it was asked awhile ago. Hope this helped! (less)
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